We've all been there: a strange noise under the bonnet, a warning light on the dashboard, or that nagging feeling something's not quite right. Cars demand attention, maintenance, and the occasional difficult decision. Sound familiar? Well, maintaining a car is a lot like navigating a relationship.
So what if you could actually tell what someone's like in a relationship just by watching how they handle car repairs? That's the playful idea Ovoko, one of Europe's largest online marketplaces for used car parts, is proposing here.
From the person who ignores every warning light to the meticulous planner who books services months in advance, these car maintenance habits might just reveal how someone approaches commitment, communication, and conflict resolution.
Below Ovoko reveals six car repair personalities and what they could suggest about your relationship style.
1. The ‘Ignore the Warning Light’ Type
You notice the problem, but you're hoping it'll sort itself out. That flashing dashboard light? Tomorrow's problem. Maybe it'll just... stop flashing if you give it time.
Relationship parallel: Tends to avoid difficult conversations and hopes tension will fade on its own. You're optimistic about things resolving themselves, but occasionally in denial about how serious the issue actually is. “We'll be fine” is your go-to phrase, even when the evidence suggests otherwise.
2. The DIY Fixer
You'll watch five YouTube tutorials before calling a professional. You like getting your hands dirty and figuring things out yourself. Why pay someone else when you can do it at home with a socket set and determination?
Relationship parallel: Independent and solution-oriented, but sometimes reluctant to ask for help or share the emotional workload. You prefer working through problems on your own terms, which is admirable until you realize some things actually do need a second pair of hands. Or a professional opinion!
3. The Early Booker
Strange noise? You're already on the phone with the garage. Preventative maintenance is your love language. You've got your next MOT booked before the current one's even expired.
Relationship parallel: Communicative, proactive, and emotionally organized. You prefer fixing small issues before they turn into bigger ones. Date night in the diary, check-ins scheduled, potential problems spotted from a mile away. You're the person who suggests “having a chat” before things get tense.
4. The ‘Just Replace It’ Person
Once something starts costing effort, you'd rather start fresh than sink more time into repairs. The clutch is slipping? Time for a new car. Why bother with the hassle?
Relationship parallel: Low tolerance for friction. You value ease and excitement, but may struggle with working through imperfect phases. When things get complicated, your instinct is to move on rather than stick around for the messy repair work.
5. The Long-Term Investor
You service regularly, repair carefully, and want to keep the car running for as long as possible. You've had the same vehicle for years and you're planning to keep it for years more.
Relationship parallel: Patient, loyal, and future-focused. You're willing to invest time and energy to make things last. Small problems get addressed before they become big ones, and you see value in maintaining what you've built rather than constantly starting over.
6. The Last-Minute Panicker
You ignore everything... until the MOT is due. Then it's absolute chaos. Frantic garage calls, emergency bookings, wondering why you didn't sort this out sooner.
Relationship parallel: Reactive rather than proactive. You handle crises well once they arrive, but you avoid ongoing emotional maintenance. Anniversaries get remembered the night before, important conversations happen under pressure, and you work best with a deadline looming.
Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, commented:
“While no one's relationship style can truly be diagnosed by their car habits alone, these patterns can be surprisingly familiar. We work with thousands of customers across Europe, and you start to notice how differently people approach maintenance and repairs. Some are planners, some are procrastinators, and some genuinely believe problems will fix themselves.
“Whether you're an early fixer or a last-minute panicker, noticing how you approach maintenance, emotional or mechanical, can be a useful starting point for reflection. After all, both cars and relationships work better when you don't ignore the warning signs until something breaks down completely.”
